05/29/2024
Trust Your Gut and Listen to Your Horse: A Journey with Ellie
Not long after we adopted Ellie, she came up lame and lethargic just days before her scheduled farrier appointment.
Ellie, having Cushings and a history of laminitis, was a concern. Following my vet's advice, I gave her bute and waited for the farrier. When he arrived, he examined her hooves and checked her digital pulse, suggesting her symptoms were more related to Cushings. He advised us to check her insulin levels.
When the vet came out, he raised a grim possibility: if this wasn't laminitis, Ellie's high levels could indicate her pituitary gland was affecting her brain, causing her rapid decline. Euthanasia was mentioned.
Confused and deeply saddened by how fast Ellie had deteriorated, and with little experience in managing Cushings and laminitis, I trusted the professionals. Despite my doubts, I agreed, not wanting Ellie to suffer.
We scheduled the day and mourned her impending loss. My kids and I spent extra time with Ellie, keeping her as comfortable as possible. We even consulted an animal communicator, hoping for insight. She told us Ellie was tired but grateful and would prefer to go if she didn't improve within a week. I thought the week statement was odd, as Ellie’s appointment was two days later.
As the day approached, Ellie’s energy shifted slightly. When the vet had to reschedule due to an emergency, we saw more improvement.
Within days, she was back to normal—her respiratory rate stabilized, she moved more, and she re-engaged with the herd. Two weeks later, my farrier confirmed she had suffered severe laminitis in 3 out of 4 hooves.
I was heartbroken, realizing my initial suspicions were correct. The professionals had missed the mark, and Ellie's condition could have been managed sooner. Despite how sad I was, I was also relieved Ellie was on the mend.
Recognizing the need for a more attentive care team, I sought new experts. Heather, our new farrier immediately came out and told me how long the flare up was for, how it would've been noticeable during the initial trim my farrier saw her and I inquired, and also noticed the incredible imbalance in almost every horse on my farm. Imbalances that were creating massive postural issues within my horses.
With Heather’s expertise, combined with knowledge / bodywork from Sarah and Dr. Barbara's Holistic Nutrition Course, Ellie has made a full recovery. Her hooves look incredible, her fat pads are gone, and we are building a new foundation for her health.
This journey taught me the importance of trusting your instincts and advocating for your horse’s well-being. If you feel your care team isn't doing enough, they might not be the right fit. Your equine care team should educate and empower you to notice the smallest changes and explore all possibilities for your horse’s health.
Today, I am profoundly grateful for Ellie. Her health journey catalyzed a shift for my entire herd, and being able to have an incredible care team. As well as providing me with the mentors for my own growth and ability to acquire invaluable knowledge in bodywork, nutrition, and balanced hooves.
Our journey underscores the importance of trusting your gut and truly listening to your horse. Every circumstance that arises with our horses in a chance to slow down, and listen. Whether it be a health scare, a behavioural issues, a training issues, etc whatever it may be, listen to what your horse is trying to show you, and find the growth in every moment.
Care team
Balanced Bodyworks
Heather McFarlane - Barefoot Performance
Dr Barbara - Angels Animals - Holistic Equine Nutrition Program